Hey it speaks for itself! Nirit Ben – Ari did such an excellent job with this piece. I felt like she did my feelings and ideas proud and a bit more of the real me came through. Very happy to be visiting with Israel and meeting Jews, Arabs, and people of all backgrounds who appreciate food and how it can bridge serious divides.

Meeting Claudia Roden in Israel! We first met at Oxford University in 2010. What an inspiration. Tonight I had the esteemed privilege of being Ha-Sadna, the Culinary Workshop for a dinner in honor of Mrs. Roden ‘ s prolific work documenting Jewish, Middle Eastern and international food traditions. Her work inspired me. Tonight’s theme was me’ulim or stuffed foods…of which Yerushalayim is the culinary capital. The foods prepared reflected what Claudia termed “multiple memories” across boundaries of culture and religion. Jewish and Arab chefs executed stuffed purple carrots, tables strewn with green tahini, harissa and preserved lemon sauce, stuffed pigeon, lamb empanadas, and ice cream prepared with tahini and dulce de leche. Special thanks to all the chefs, the Cinemateque, the amazing Ronit Vered and the awesome Itta Pico, and to the great chef and culinary writer Claudia Roden who I now call family. 🙂

Fantastic piece. If this article captured you then you are a person I’d love to get to know. I have read a few of your articles and watched your talk in England and I am impressed. The eloquence and humility you bring to the table 😉 is inspiring. Keep the dialog strong. I look forward to reading your book upon it’s completion.

WHRO Curate 757 Season 2, Ep. 7

The culinary arts are one of the most enjoyable art forms around because food can be enjoyed with all five senses. This week, as we explore art that reflects culture, we will talk with Williamsburg culinary historian and author Michael Twitty who has made it his mission to document African American food history. #Curate757